H-E-B Heritage Ranch Dry Dog Food is a pet food line with a 3.5-star rating — around 20% of all the pet food we review fall in this tier.
They seem to have nutrition ratio similar to a common pet food and contain mainly named ingredents. We think they are quite fine, and it might be great to give your pets some extra meaty food or treats.
What We like
Use Organic Minerals to Improve Absorption
No Potential Allergens like Corn, Soy, Gluten, and Dairy products
What We Concern
More than 37% Carbs
Include Plant Protein in Top 5 ingredients
Numberous Controversial Ingredients
Seems No Probiotics to Aid Digestion
Include Ingredients that might be Related to Poor Digestion
Contain Ingredients that might be Uncertain
「Chief of Food」Fat Hill
Recipes Rating
Recipes could have different ingredients in the same product line. We rate each recipe and list them from higest to lowest ratings.
Higher protein and lower carbs recipes are rated higher
Recipe and 1st Ingredient
Rating
Grain Free
Heritage Ranch Terrain Adult High Protein Chicken, Turkey & Duck
1️⃣Chicken🍚Carbs:30%
4
Heritage Ranch Chicken & Brown Rice
1️⃣Chicken🍚Carbs:41%
3
Heritage Ranch Grain Free Chicken & Chickpea
1️⃣Chicken🍚Carbs:38%
3
Heritage Ranch Grain Free Salmon & Chickpea
1️⃣Salmon🍚Carbs:41%
3
Tips
Recipes have different ratings, and some of the recipes contains grains.
Recipe to review
To rate H-E-B Heritage Ranch Dry Dog Food, we will take one representative recipe to evaluate the nutrition, ingredients and meat content of this product line.
We have chosen Heritage Ranch Grain Free Chicken & Chickpea.
Nutrition Label
Pet food show guaranteed analysis on their labels. It includes moisture and does not reflect the level of carbs — which we prefer lower for dogs and as low as possible for cats.
From the label of Heritage Ranch Grain Free Chicken & Chickpea
Protein
28%
Fat
15%
Fiber
5%
Carbs
?%
Calculate the dry value (no moisture) on a dry matter basis will help us to estimate the carbs level and other nutrition without water — so we can get a better idea about the ratio.
(We think the ideal nutrition profile would be Protein > Fat > Carbs)
Nutrition
Our Ideal
Dry Value
Like?
Protein
30% or more
31%
Fat
15% or more
17%
Carbs
Less than 28%
38%
Fiber
Less than 5%
5.6%
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46 ingredients are listed on the label. We research their quality to pet and use our best judgement to group them in the proportion of Prefer, Concerned, and Notice ingredients in the bar chart.
♨ Allergen
0 units
🌋 Indigest
5 units
⁉ Uncertain
2 units
Organic Minerals Seems to Include
Probiotics Seems Not Included
Prefer
Concerned
Notice
Neutral
Click an ingredient to see the detail
Chicken
Animal Protein
The dominant animal protein source in pet foods. Other than protein, it is also high in iron, zinc, selenium, and B vitamins.
PreferA high-quality animal protein with high digestibility and biological value.
♨
AllergenN/A
🌋
Related to DigestN/A
⁉
UncertainN/A
Chicken Meal
Animal Protein
A dehydrated form of chicken, it is a meat concentrate that contains up to 4 times more protein than fresh chicken on dry matter basis.
PreferA high-quality animal protein with high digestibility and biological value.
♨
AllergenN/A
🌋
Related to DigestN/A
⁉
UncertainN/A
Dried Potatoes
Carbs
Contains mainly carbs, often used as an alternative filler for grain-free pet foods.
ConcernedAn inexpensive filler without gluten, with limited nutrition value to dogs / cats.
♨
AllergenN/A
🌋
Related to DigestN/A
⁉
UncertainN/A
Dried Chickpeas
Carbs, Plant Protein
🌋
Also known as garbanzo beans, a type of legume that is added to boost up the protein content and acts as an alternative carb. It contains around 20% protein.
NeutralAn acceptable filler with higher nutrition value compared to rice, corn, and wheat.
♨
AllergenN/A
🌋
Related to DigestLegume contains oligosaccharides, which is a 3 - 5 carbon short-chain sugar that are indigestible by dogs / cats.
⁉
UncertainN/A
Dried Peas
Carbs, Plant Protein
🌋
A type of legume that is added to boost up the protein content and acts as an alternative carb. It contains around 22% protein.
NeutralAn acceptable filler with higher nutrition value compared to rice, corn, and wheat.
♨
AllergenN/A
🌋
Related to DigestLegume contains oligosaccharides, which is a 3 - 5 carbon short-chain sugar that are indigestible by dogs / cats.
⁉
UncertainN/A
Pea Protein
Plant Protein Concentrate
🌋
Extracted protein from pea in a dry process. It contains 45 - 55% protein, which will significantly boost up the overall protein content of pet foods.
NoticeHigh level of plant-based protein is not easy to digest and offers less biological value. Good quality pet foods should obtain sufficient protein from animal sources.
♨
AllergenN/A
🌋
Related to DigestThe process will concentrate the level of oligosaccharides, which is a 3 - 5 carbon short-chain sugar that is indigestible by dogs / cats. It offers much less biological value (less absorbed by the body) to pets compared to animal protein.
⁉
UncertainN/A
Chicken Fat
Fat
The fatty layer separated during the cooking process, with a high level of omega 6, It is more preferable by dogs and cats over other types of fats.
PreferA high-quality animal fat with high digestibility and biological value.
♨
AllergenN/A
🌋
Related to DigestN/A
⁉
UncertainN/A
Menhaden Fish Meal
Animal Protein
The dehydrated form of menhaden fish, a meat concentrate that could contain up to 400% protein more than the fresh form. Menhaden fish is a small herring fish that lives in the deep sea, which makes it low in mercury content.
PreferA high-quality animal protein with high digestibility and biological value.
♨
AllergenN/A
🌋
Related to DigestN/A
⁉
UncertainN/A
Natural Flavor
Food Additive
Made of extracts from plant or animal sources to improve the taste of food.
ConcernedContrary to its name, natural flavors are highly processed and contain many chemical additives.
♨
AllergenN/A
🌋
Related to DigestN/A
⁉
UncertainN/A
Dicalcium Phosphate
Supplement
🌋⁉
A supplement for calcium and phosphorus. It is mainly used to improve the texture of pet foods. It is also found in some toothpaste as a polishing agent.
NoticeA risky supplement that can cause health issues, backed by research studies.
♨
AllergenN/A
🌋
Related to DigestIt does not absorb any water, almost insoluble, and becomes very hard in digesting.
⁉
UncertainStudies show that it can cause the formulation of kidney stones.
Dried Egg Product
Animal Protein
A processed form of eggs, a less expensive option compared to whole eggs. It could mean anything from egg yolk, white, and eggshell.
ConcernedA less preferable egg ingredient that is made of unspecified egg parts - which quality is concerned.
♨
AllergenN/A
🌋
Related to DigestN/A
⁉
UncertainN/A
Salt
Others
Mainly added to enhance the flavor, might cause kidney and blood pressure issues in a larger dose. High-quality pet foods should get a sufficient amount from raw meat, additional salt is not necessary.
ConcernedA controversial ingredient that might cause health issues, unnecessary for the risk.
♨
AllergenN/A
🌋
Related to DigestN/A
⁉
UncertainN/A
Dried Carrots
Carbs
Well known for its alpha and beta-carotene content, also rich in potassium and vitamin B6. Most pet foods use it as a minor ingredient (include 0.1% to 3% of the total composition).
NeutralVegetables are fair source of vitamins, minerals, and antioxidants.
♨
AllergenN/A
🌋
Related to DigestN/A
⁉
UncertainN/A
Dried Sweet Potatoes
Carbs
An alternative high carbs filler with an excellent amount of vitamin A, C, B6.
NeutralAn acceptable filler with higher nutrition value compared to rice, corn, and wheat.
♨
AllergenN/A
🌋
Related to DigestN/A
⁉
UncertainN/A
Dried Tomato Pomace
Carbs
The leftover by-product of the process in making ketchup and other tomato products. Depending on quality, it could provide a certain amount of vitamin C, K1, and potassium.
ConcernedVegetables are fair source of vitamins, minerals, and antioxidants.
♨
AllergenN/A
🌋
Related to DigestN/A
⁉
UncertainN/A
Flaxseeds
Fat
One of the richest sources of plant-based omega 3s, well known for its anti-inflammatory properties. It contains around 41% of fat, 57% of the total fatty acids is omega 3s.
NeutralA harmless seed with potential health benefits.
♨
AllergenN/A
🌋
Related to DigestN/A
⁉
UncertainN/A
Fish Oil
Fat
⁉
An oil extracted from unspecified fish, a source of animal fats.
NoticeUnspecified animal products from unknown sources. Its quality is highly concerned, often seen in low quality pet foods.
♨
AllergenN/A
🌋
Related to DigestN/A
⁉
UncertainUnnamed fish products could source from sick, deadly animal bodies. It is a potential risk for severe illness.
Potassium Chloride
Supplement
An inorganic form of potassium, which offers 5 - 15% less absorption rate to the body. It is essential for important functions like nerve impulse transmission, muscle contraction, and carbon dioxide / oxygen transport.
NeutralA safe supplement for additional vitamins.
♨
AllergenN/A
🌋
Related to DigestN/A
⁉
UncertainN/A
Choline Chloride
Supplement
Vital molecule for various functions in the body, lack of choline can result in weight loss, vomiting, and fatty liver.
NeutralA safe supplement for potential health benefits.
♨
AllergenN/A
🌋
Related to DigestN/A
⁉
UncertainN/A
Ferrous Sulfate
Supplement
An inorganic form of iron. It is essential for the transport and movement of oxygen around the body. Compare to organic form, it has 5 - 15% less absorption rate to the body.
NeutralA safe supplement for additional minerals.
♨
AllergenN/A
🌋
Related to DigestN/A
⁉
UncertainN/A
Iron Amino Acid Chelate
Supplement
An organic form of iron. It is essential for the transport and movement of oxygen around the body. Compare to inorganic form, it has 5 - 15% more absorption rate to the body.
NeutralA safe supplement for additional minerals.
♨
AllergenN/A
🌋
Related to DigestN/A
⁉
UncertainN/A
Zinc Animo Acid Chelate
Supplement
An organic form of zinc, which is vital in skin function and wound healing, cell replication, the structure and function of biological membranes. Compare to inorganic form, it has 5 - 15% more absorption rate to the body.
NeutralA safe supplement for additional minerals.
♨
AllergenN/A
🌋
Related to DigestN/A
⁉
UncertainN/A
Zinc Oxide
Supplement
An inorganic form of zinc, which is vital in skin function and wound healing, cell replication, the structure and function of biological membranes. Compare to organic form, it has 5 - 15% less absorption rate to the body.
NeutralA safe supplement for additional minerals.
♨
AllergenN/A
🌋
Related to DigestN/A
⁉
UncertainN/A
Copper Sulfate
Supplement
An inorganic form of copper, which is important for the production of blood cells, hair coat color pigmentation, and maintaining the nervous system. Compare to organic form, it has 5 - 15% less absorption rate to the body.
NeutralA safe supplement for additional minerals.
♨
AllergenN/A
🌋
Related to DigestN/A
⁉
UncertainN/A
Sodium Selenite
Food Additive
An inorganic selenium supplement. It remains controversial as the long term effect of consuming it is not known, and there is a much safer organic alternative available.
ConcernedA food additive that is likely to be safe but unnecessary.
♨
AllergenN/A
🌋
Related to DigestN/A
⁉
UncertainN/A
Copper Amino Acid Chelate
Supplement
An organic form of copper, which is important for the production of blood cells, hair coat color pigmentation, and maintaining the nervous system. Compare to inorganic form, it has 5 - 15% more absorption rate to the body.
NeutralA safe supplement for additional minerals.
♨
AllergenN/A
🌋
Related to DigestN/A
⁉
UncertainN/A
Manganous Amino Acid Chelate
Supplement
An organic form of manganese that has 5 - 15% higher absorption rate than the inorganic form. It is essential for normal metabolic function with the body.
NeutralA safe supplement for additional minerals.
♨
AllergenN/A
🌋
Related to DigestN/A
⁉
UncertainN/A
Manganous Oxide
Supplement
An inorganic form of manganese that has 5 - 15% less absorption rate than the organic form. It is essential for the transport and movement of oxygen around the body.
NeutralA safe supplement for additional minerals.
♨
AllergenN/A
🌋
Related to DigestN/A
⁉
UncertainN/A
Calcium Iodate
Supplement
An inorganic form of calcium, it is essential in the formation of bones / teeth and different cellular functions. Compare to organic form, it has 5 - 15% less absorption rate to the body.
NeutralA safe supplement for additional minerals.
♨
AllergenN/A
🌋
Related to DigestN/A
⁉
UncertainN/A
Dried Blueberries
Carbs
Superfood packed with antioxidants, a good source of vitamin C, K, and manganese.
NeutralFruit is an acceptable source of vitamins, minerals and antioxidants.
♨
AllergenN/A
🌋
Related to DigestN/A
⁉
UncertainN/A
Dried Cranberries
Carbs
High in vitamin C and antioxidants, it is also best known for fighting Urinary Tract Infections. While it could be true for humans, the effect on pets is yet to be confirmed by further research.
NeutralFruit is an acceptable source of vitamins, minerals and antioxidants.
♨
AllergenN/A
🌋
Related to DigestN/A
⁉
UncertainN/A
Vitamin E Supplement
Supplement
Supplement for vitamin E, which is an important antioxidant that protects oxidative damages on cellular membranes by free radicals. A deficiency will result in symptoms like anorexia, depression, and dermatitis.
NeutralA safe supplement for additional vitamins.
♨
AllergenN/A
🌋
Related to DigestN/A
⁉
UncertainN/A
Niacin Supplement
Supplement
Known as vitamin B3, essential to maintain healthy GI tracts, skin/coat, and nervous system.
NeutralA safe supplement for additional vitamins.
♨
AllergenN/A
🌋
Related to DigestN/A
⁉
UncertainN/A
D-calcium Pantothenate
Supplement
An organic form of calcium, it is essential in the formation of bones / teeth and different cellular functions. Compare to inorganic form, it has 5 - 15% more absorption rate to the body.
NeutralA safe supplement for additional minerals.
♨
AllergenN/A
🌋
Related to DigestN/A
⁉
UncertainN/A
Riboflavin Supplement
Supplement
A synthetic supplement for vitamin B2. which is vital for the body's metabolism and health.
NeutralA safe supplement for additional vitamins.
♨
AllergenN/A
🌋
Related to DigestN/A
⁉
UncertainN/A
Vitamin A Supplement
Supplement
Supplement of vitamin A, it is essential for healthy skin, normal vision, and immune function.
NeutralA safe supplement for additional vitamins.
♨
AllergenN/A
🌋
Related to DigestN/A
⁉
UncertainN/A
Thiamine Mononitrate
Supplement
An organic form of thiamine, has 5 - 15% more absorption rate than the inorganic form. It is important for energy production and glucose metabolism.
NeutralA safe supplement for additional minerals.
♨
AllergenN/A
🌋
Related to DigestN/A
⁉
UncertainN/A
Vitamin D3 Supplement
Supplement
Supplement for vitamin D3 (animal-derived), which is essential for calcium homeostasis - to maintain a constant concentration of calcium. A deficiency will result in osteopenia (lower bone mass).
NeutralA safe supplement for additional vitamins.
♨
AllergenN/A
🌋
Related to DigestN/A
⁉
UncertainN/A
Vitamin B12 Supplement
Supplement
Supplement for vitamin B12, which is vital for carbon transfer and propionate metabolism. A deficiency will result in symptoms similar to gastrointestinal disorders, such as diarrhea and weight loss.
NeutralA safe supplement for additional vitamins.
♨
AllergenN/A
🌋
Related to DigestN/A
⁉
UncertainN/A
Pyridoxine Hydrochloride
Supplement
A synthetical supplement of vitamin B6, which is an essential element for nearly every part of metabolism.
NeutralA safe supplement for additional vitamins.
♨
AllergenN/A
🌋
Related to DigestN/A
⁉
UncertainN/A
Folic Acid
Supplement
A synthetic form of folate, which is also known as vitamin B9. It plays an important role to support the body's functions, such as cell growth.
NeutralA safe supplement for additional vitamins.
♨
AllergenN/A
🌋
Related to DigestN/A
⁉
UncertainN/A
Citric Acid
Food Additive
🌋
A common additive used for fat preservation. It is commonly found in citrus fruit like lemons and limes.
ConcernedA food additive that might cause health issues.
♨
AllergenN/A
🌋
Related to DigestResearch suggests that dogs consumed dry foods containing citric acid as a preservative have a 200% increased risk for gastric dilatation-volvulus (bloating). However, more research is required to make a solid conclusion.
⁉
UncertainN/A
Mixed Tocopherols
Food Additive
A mixture of different types of vitamin E, usually found in plant oils, seed and green vegetables. They are powerful antioxidants used as a natural preservative to slow down the spoilage of food.
NeutralA harmless food additive.
♨
AllergenN/A
🌋
Related to DigestN/A
⁉
UncertainN/A
L-carnitine
Supplement
An amino acid that is naturally produced in the body. It is often added to pet foods because the normal cooking process degrades its availability from whole food.
NeutralA safe supplement to improve the completeness of essential amino acids profile (the building block of protein).
♨
AllergenN/A
🌋
Related to DigestN/A
⁉
UncertainN/A
Yucca Schidigera Extract
Carbs
Yucca schidigera is a desert plant found in the arid southwestern US and Mexico. It has been shown to reduce fecal aroma (poop's smell) without any harmful effect.
NeutralA harmless ingredient with specific benefits.
♨
AllergenN/A
🌋
Related to DigestN/A
⁉
UncertainN/A
Rosemary Extract
Carbs
A common herb used for cooking, it is rich in antioxidants to fight off radical damages in the body.
NeutralA harmless herb with potential health benefits.
♨
AllergenN/A
🌋
Related to DigestN/A
⁉
UncertainN/A
Tips
We find 7 Concerned and 3 Notice ingredients from Heritage Ranch Grain Free Chicken & Chickpea. Check from the above list to view the details.
Concerned
Dried Potatoes
Natural Flavor
Dried Egg Product
Salt
Dried Tomato Pomace
Sodium Selenite
Citric Acid
Notice
Pea Protein
Dicalcium Phosphate
Fish Oil
Estimated Meat Content
Some pet food uses high plant protein ingredients to boost up the overall protein level — to make it looks like it includes a lot of meat, which is more appealing for customers.
Therefore, protein level itself cannot tell the quality and how much animal ingredients (more digestible than plants) is in the pet food.
Check if protein is overrated by plant protein boost up
Count of Plant Protein
3 / 7 (43%)
in top 7 ingredients
Protein Level
31%
in dry matter
By looking at the plant protein in top ingredients and compare with the total protein level, we will try to estimate how much animal ingredients is used in the pet food as Meat Content.
Meat Content
Based on my "godly" guess, the meat content might be Medium !
It looks like it contains a moderate amount of meat. Your furbabies should still be fine with it.
H-E-B Heritage Ranch Dry Dog Food Product Line Review
To make a conclusion about the whole product line, we will consider all recipes and their average nutrition ratio.
Recipes Average Compares to Ideal Level
In the total of 4 recipes, the group has an average of 31% protein, 17% fat and 37% carbohydrate.
(Protein and Fat: Prefer Higher丨Carbs: Prefer Lower)
Protein is 1 (%) higher than ideal
Fat is 2 (%) higher than ideal
Carbs is 9 (%) higher than ideal
What does it mean?
Overall,H-E-B Heritage Ranch Dry Dog Food has an carbs level higher than our preferred level.
Conclusion
Throughout the review, we have 3 major opinons about this pet food line:
Similar nutrition ratio as a common pet food
Clear, named animal products as main ingredient
Medium level of meat content
Based on these, we can conclude H-E-B Heritage Ranch Dry Dog Food is a pet food line with a 3.5 star rating.
Do we recommend H-E-B Heritage Ranch Dry Dog Food ?
It is a fine pet food, and it might be great to give your pets some extra meaty food or treats.
The review is entirely our own view and opinon. It is for informational reference only and not a purchase advice.
Has an unusual obsession with the taste and ingredients of food, over 5+ years experience in professional eating. As the Chief of Food, he will tell you the truth about food.
"Stay Hungry, Stay Foolish, and Stay Hungry again!"